Westchester County Eviction Court β€” Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything New York landlords need to file a Summary Proceeding (Eviction) in Westchester County β€” fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$45
Filing fee
4–8 weeks
Hearing wait
6–12 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ Westchester County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Westchester County β€” What Landlords Should Know

Westchester County uses City and Town courts for eviction proceedings. Some Westchester cities (Mount Vernon, Yonkers) have additional tenant protections.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Westchester County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Westchester County eviction attorney β€” free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Westchester County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 14-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per New York law.

2

File Your Summary Proceeding (Eviction) at Westchester County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Westchester County Courthouse (111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601). The filing fee is $45. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Westchester County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β€” improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Westchester County are typically scheduled 4–8 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The New York Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β€” this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in New York.

Westchester County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $45 Paid to Westchester County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $35 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$30–$35 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Strongly recommended β€” strong tenant protections

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Westchester County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Westchester County?

The typical Westchester County eviction takes 6–12 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β€” assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Westchester County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Westchester County?

The court filing fee in Westchester County is $45. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $110–$115.

What court handles evictions in Westchester County?

Evictions in Westchester County are filed at the Westchester County Courthouse, located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601. The case type is filed as a Summary Proceeding (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Westchester County?

Westchester County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Westchester County Courthouse.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Westchester County?

New York law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Westchester County has very strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly β€” an attorney is strongly recommended.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Westchester County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Westchester County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β€” notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in New York.

Relevant New York Statutes